Master of Arts
Counseling

Your College. Your Calling.

Make a difference in the lives of others and go further in your counseling career.

The need for counselors is growing dramatically. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 23 percent increase in the number of these positions by 2026—a rate of growth considered much faster than average. At Bethel University, the hybrid (on-ground and online) Master of Arts in Counseling degree can help you prepare to meet this need and go further in your field.

Combining a rigorous academic curriculum with hands-on training, the online master’s in counseling helps you pursue clinical expertise needed to advance your career. With concentrations available in marriage and family counseling, mental health counseling, and addiction counseling, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your education to fit your unique professional goals. Upon completion of your degree, you’ll be successfully prepared to sit for your Indiana licensing exam, as well as for the National Counselor Certification (NCC).**

The hybrid (online and on-ground) master’s in counseling also provides you with valuable real-world experience. As part of your required course work, we require on-ground classes where you’ll learn the theories, the process of counseling, and participate in a small group setting. Additionally, you must take three credit hours of a practicum and six hours of an internship. During these field placements you’ll learn from professionals who currently work in the field, and partner with your program coordinator to ensure you acquire the advanced skills you need.

Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped to work in a number of settings and leadership roles, such as those in clinical behavioral health or the nonprofit sector. You’ll also be prepared to continue your studies at the doctoral level.

Accreditation

Bethel University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to grant bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting agencies in the United States. Institutional accreditation evaluates an entire institution and accredits it as a whole.

*Transfer graduate-level credit must be petitioned with department for approval.

** Some states require the same licensure requirements, others do not. Students who wish to earn their licensure for states other than Indiana must review the specific rules and regulations for that area.

Take the Next Step

Request Information

Request more information about this program and gain access to our knowledgeable enrollment team.

Program Details

Next Start Date:06/30/2019

Credit Hours:
60

Cost/Credit:
$455

Transfer Credits:
Unlimited*

Est. Completion Time:
2-3 Years

Course Requirements

Bethel’s online master’s in counseling features a comprehensive curriculum grounded in biblical values. Because the program features three distinct study tracks, you’ll have the capacity to tailor your degree to fit the career you want.

COUN 501: Human Development Across the Life Span

COUN 511: Theories & Techniques of Counseling

COUN 521: Group Counseling

COUN 552: Social and Cultural Diversity

COUN 573: Evidence-based Practices & Outcomes Management

COUN 613: Research Methods & Statistical Applications

COUN 614: Career Counseling

COUN 615: Psychometric Theory & Development

COUN 645: Practice Management & Consultation

Select one of the following tracks:

COUN 531: Personality

COUN 542: Psychopathology

COUN 562: Professional, Legal & Ethical Issues

MFCT 541: Family Systems Theory

MFCT 552: Marriage & Family Therapy

MFCT 587: Practicum

MFCT 601: Family Development

MFCT 623: Family Assessment

MFCT 654: Family Stress & Transitions

MFCT 687: Internship

COUN 531: Personality

COUN 542: Psychopathology

COUN 562: Professional, Legal & Ethical Issues

COUN 663: Psychopharmacology

MHC 541: Foundations of Mental Health Counseling

MHC 553: Delivery Systems in Mental Health

MHC 587: Practicum

MHC 624: Application of Mental Health Practices

MHC 654: Brief Therapy Strategies in Mental Health

MHC 687: Internship

COUN 531: Personality

COUN 542: Psychopathology

COUN 562: Professional, Legal & Ethical Issues

COUN 663: Psychopharmacology

ADC 501: Foundations of Addiction Counseling

ADC 510: Intake, Assessment & Treatment Planning

ADC 515: Prevention & Intervention

ADC 520: Treatment Modalities – Abstinence to Harm Reduction

ADC 587: Practicum

ADC 687: Internship

Program Consists of:

19

Total Courses

Admission Requirements

All application materials are to be submitted to the MA in Counseling Office at the same time. Applicants will state their intention to be admitted into a specific specialization offered by the program.

Candidates for Bethel’s online Master’s in Counseling will need to submit the following:

Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Students are also required to complete a personal interview with the director of our program.

For students whose first language is not English, TOEFL scores are required. A student must achieve a score of 540 or higher on the paper test, or 207 or higher on the computer version.

Additional Requirements:

Previous undergraduate coursework in psychology must total at least 9 hours. Coursework must be completed in the past 10 years*. Completed courses will include:

Lifespan human growth and development

Abnormal psychology

Research methods

*Provisional admission may be granted in specific cases.

Tuition and Fees

What will my degree cost?

Total with 30 Transfer Credits

$14,100

Full Program Tuition

$455 per credit hour

$27,300

Full Program Fees***

$150 assessment fee (full time student)

$900

Full Program Total

$28,200

Example Tuition with 30 Transfer Credits

$455 per credit hour

$13,650

Example Fees with 30 Transfer Credits***

$150 assessment fee (full time student)

$450

***Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes an estimated three to six semesters to complete, depending on transfer credits.

Bethel’s Payment Plan:

The college has a monthly installment plan available through Tuition Management Systems. There is no finance charge associated with this plan, however, an annual application fee is required. The payment plan is available through the college’s business office.

Transfer Credits

Career Outcomes

The online master’s in counseling program can open doors to new and exciting career opportunities. Career information from Payscale.com.

Mental health counselors are responsible for providing mental health services for patients. Working in a variety of settings, they may be responsible for facilitating counseling sessions, preparing and implementing treatment plans, helping individuals work through issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental challenges, and related duties. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $46,682.

Addiction counselors specialize in helping patients overcome their dependency on alcohol and drugs. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, medical centers, and substance abuse treatment facilities, and are responsible for developing interventions and treatment plans, managing caseloads, performing evaluations, and related tasks. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $42,707.

Marriage and family therapists specialize in helping families and couples work through psychological and relationship difficulties. They may be responsible for providing support, developing action plans, assessing and diagnosing illness, facilitating group sessions, collaborating with medical doctors, and a host of other duties. Licensure requirements for this career vary, so individuals should check their specific state requirements. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $51,453.

Benefits of Learning Online

An online degree can open doors to your career while allowing you to study in a convenient, affordable format.

Request Information

Learn more about this program and other online academic opportunities at Bethel. Once you complete this form, here’s what you can expect from us:

A friendly phone call. We’ll contact you within 24 hours, ready to answer all of your questions.

An information packet. Look for our email. We’ll send you a digital packet containing important information about Bethel including academics, admissions, financial aid, and more.

Personalized treatment. You’ll get immediate access to your own dedicated and knowledgeable enrollment counselor. They’ll ask you more about your goals at Bethel, and walk you through everything you need to know to apply.